Contact:
John Chythlook
Kuskokwim-Goodnews Area Management Biologist
Phone: 907-459-7361
July 07, 2015
The Division of Sport Fish is closing the entire Kuskokwim River drainage to sport fishing for chum salmon, effective 12:01 a.m. Monday, July 6, 2015. All chum salmon caught while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. In addition, only unbaited, single-hook, artificial lures may be used in the entire Kuskokwim River drainage. These restrictions will remain in effect through 11:59 p.m. Monday, August 31, 2015.
The cumulative CPUE for chum salmon at the Bethel Test Fishery is the third lowest on record for this date and is well below the 5- and 10-yr averages. On average 31% of the chum salmon run has passed Bethel, as of June 29. The historical midpoint of the chum salmon run is July 4. However, the 2015 run appears to be late, weak, or both. The subsistence gillnet fishery will remain on a two day per week schedule in an effort to conserve chum salmon. This warrants a total closure of sport fishing for chum salmon in the Kuskokwim River drainage and the prohibition of bait and multiple hooks.
The department will evaluate inseason run strength and take appropriate management actions to ensure that escapement goals are met. If inseason stock assessment information indicates that a majority of the chum salmon escapement goals in the Kuskokwim River tributaries will be met, restrictions may be relaxed.
For additional information contact John Chythlook, Kuskokwim-Goodnews Area Management Biologist, 907-459-7361